Bodybuilding MP wrong about fluoride: AMA

A Queensland politician and bodybuilder who says a banned growth hormone is safer than fluoridated water may be more brawn than brains, Australia's peak medical body says.

Australian Medical Association president Steve Hambleton says state government MP Jason Woodforth, who claims he'd rather spend the rest of his life taking the banned performance-enhancing substance IGF-1 than drink fluoridated water, is clearly misinformed.

"I think he better start reading all the literature, not just some of the literature," he told AAP.

"The facts are clear - all the world's major medical organisations support it (fluoride).

"None of these bodies are going to put their names behind something that isn't robust."

Dr Hambleton believes adding fluoride to water is one of the most cost-effective investments that governments can make in public health.

"We want to look after our bodies, let's start with the front door," he said.

But the effects of hormones should be very carefully researched before they're taken, Dr Hambleton warned, as they can differ from one person to the next.

He said hormones like IGF-1, which is an ingredient of a supplement Mr Woodforth sells in his bodybuilding store, should be ruled out of sport.

"After all, sport should be about balance, coordination and skill, not who's got the best doctor," Dr Hambleton said.